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Life on the Chain

Chicagoland’s premier lake destination — 15 connected lakes, endless adventure

World-Class Fishing

Bass, walleye, northern pike — hire a local guide and land the big one

Lakeside Dining & Nightlife

Waterfront restaurants, bars, and live entertainment along the chain

Tournaments & Events

Year-round fishing derbies, boat shows, live music, and community gatherings

Family Fun on the Water

Boat rentals, water sports, arcades, and beaches for the whole family

Your Summer Starts Here

6,800 acres of water just an hour from Chicago — plan your escape

Fox Chain O’ Lakes

Stretching across 6,800 acres in northern Illinois, the Fox Chain O’ Lakes is one of the Midwest’s most iconic lake destinations. Just an hour northwest of Chicago, our interconnected chain of 15 lakes and the Fox River offers world-class fishing, boating, waterfront dining, and year-round recreation.

Whether you’re chasing trophy bass at dawn, cruising with the family on a summer afternoon, or enjoying lakeside live music after sunset — life on the chain is calling.

  • World-class Musky, Bass, Walleye & Northern pike fishing
  • Boating & water sports on interconnected waterways
  • Waterfront restaurants, bars & live entertainment
  • Full-service marinas with boat & kayak rentals
  • Year-round events, fishing tournaments & derbies
  • Family beaches, parks & outdoor recreation

Explore the Chain

From trophy fishing to lakeside dining — find your perfect day on the water

Fishing Guides

Fishing Guides, Charter Trips, Bait & Tackle stores

Boat Rentals

Fishing Boats, Poontoons, Group Charter Services

Watercrafts

Wakeboarding, tubing & more

Live Entertainment

Live Music, Karokee Nights, Events

Bars & Pubs

Waterfront restaurants & bars

Stores & Services

Gift shops, gear & marine stores

By the Numbers

15
Connected Lakes
6,800
Acres of Water
25+
Local Businesses
365
Days of Adventure

Summer on the Chain

When the sun hits the water, the chain comes alive. Cruise between lakes on your pontoon, grab lunch at a waterfront grill, cast a line for largemouth bass, or let the kids splash at the beach. With 15 connected lakes, every day is a new adventure.

Winter Never Stops Us

The chain doesn’t hibernate. Ice fishing derbies draw hundreds of anglers to the frozen lakes each winter, while nearby restaurants and bars keep the community warm year-round. From ice shanties to snowmobile trails — winter on the Fox Chain has its own magic.

Join the Fox Chain Community

Whether you own a lakeside business, organize events, or just love life on the water — become part of the fastest-growing lake community in Illinois